Rating:  -
Christopher Reeve's final appearance as The Man of Steel SHOULD have been a great way to close the Superman franchise. Reeve agreed to return to the role one last time, provided he could use his story idea about the controversy of nuclear disarmament. So, there was every good intention to make a terrific movie. But then, you know what they say: Good intentions do not necessarily make a good picture.
Its faults are biggies: 1. Cheesy special effects. 2. Gaping holes in logic from the script. 3. A corny villain. The original Superman film was a marvel in technical achievements compared to this shoddy sequel. Its cheapness (reportedly, a budget cut was made during production) is never so apparent than here. Bad back-screen projections, visible wires and god-awful flying scenes (a toy figure streaking through the skies??) succeed in undermining the film's integrity. And really...tiny figures bench-pressing the Statue of Liberty? Not amazing, just laughable!
On top of this, scientific logic is thrown out the window as: Mariel Hemingway seems to be able to breathe in the cold vacuum of space; the moon shifts from night to day; Superman succeeds in "corking" an active volcano; and Lex Luthor (how did Gene Hackman, great actor that he is, get roped into doing this film??) escapes---in broad daylight!---in a slow-moving vehicle, making it easy for Superman to catch him...and he's supposed to be a criminal genius?? And Nuclear Man is a one-joke idea; a grimacing, growling neanderthal (with bad 80's hair, no doubt) created to antagonize Supes. Luthor's correct when he comments: "Not one of your great thinkers!" I say: Bring back the criminals from Krypton, they were much more fun!
What saves this film from being a total disaster is the amusing Clark Kent moments, as well as the subplots: Clark doing a farcical quick-change routine with Lois Lane (the always-wonderful Margot Kidder) and Lacey Warfield (Hemingway),including his poignant scenes re-visiting the Kent farm; Jackie Cooper delivering a great send-off performance as irascible Perry White, buying out owner Warfield (Sam Wannamaker) and saving the Daily Planet from becoming a tawdry, irresponsible tabloid mag; cultural 80's references to "fad" gyms, corporate greed and, of course, the problem of the arms race as Supes faces a great moral dilemma.
It's a shame that "The Quest for Peace" wasn't better; Reeve and the entire cast deserved a more dignified send-off than this.
Rating:  -
After more than two decades, yes, it is still all too easy to pick apart this dreadful movie featuring Christopher Reeve's final appearance as the legendary Man of Steel.
However, I recently thought the special edition version was at least worthy of a cheap DVD rental, so my two-year old son could witness the real "Superman," Christopher Reeve, in action regardless of the film's shoddy editing and dismal special effects. While my little boy was fascinated at seeing a living, breathing Superman before him, I, too, became fascinated (albeit, for a different reason).
While watching the film, I developed a more insightful appreciation for what the late Christopher Reeve truly intended this movie to be, and he certainly deserves credit for some noble aspirations. Here's the premise once more: an initially reluctant Superman (Reeve) is inspired by a young boy to end the nuclear arms race once and for all; meanwhile, old nemesis Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) conjures up his own nuclear-powered super-villain (Mark Pillow). The end result is, of course, predictable, as Superman discovers why no single person (not even Superman) is ultimately up to the task, when only the human race can bring itself lasting peace.
Although this movie originated as Christopher Reeve's bargaining chip for a more substantive, gritty drama he starred in entitled "Street Smart," it appears, from viewing his earnest performance here, that he clearly gave "Superman IV" his best effort, even though he no doubt suspected it would be the franchise's last gasp. Still, when compared to the FX-driven mega-movies of today's generation, can any of them legitimately claim they have something positive to say about making a difference in the world? Since we know what the answer unfortunately is, Reeve's truly admirable legacy as Superman will indeed stand up for generations to come. "Superman IV," despite its laundry list of flaws, is proof positive of why his interpretation of the Man of Steel still matters.
If it had been gifted with a hefty budget equal to that of the first two "Superman" films, this fourth installment could have been a worthy addition to the franchise. However, the deficient budget isn't the only reason why this movie failed. Director Sidney J. Furie, despite some solid credentials at the time, had been reduced to making schlock movies by the mid-1980's (i.e. 1986's "Iron Eagle") and it clearly shows here. Since Richard Donner wasn't available, I can only imagine what other capable directors like Irvin ("The Empire Strikes Back") Kershner, Nicholas ("Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan") Meyer, or Lawrence ("Wyatt Earp") Kasdan could have done in reshaping the script and enhancing the actors' performances to a comparable level of the first two films.
Speaking of the actors, the original film's supporting ensemble of Gene Hackman (as Lex Luthor), Margot Kidder (as Lois Lane), Marc McClure (as Jimmy Olsen), and Jackie Cooper (as Perry White) all return with decent efforts, though Kidder and McClure clearly appeared too old by this point to effectively portray their characters. Newcomers Jon Cryer (as Lenny), Mariel Hemingway (as Lacy), Sam Wanamaker (as Mr. Warfield), and Mark Pillow (as Nuclear Man) are hardly noteworthy, but again, a more inspired director could have made a difference with them. Also, reliable Ned Beatty (as bumbling Otis) is sorely missed from this installment.
As for the DVD's special features, there are the following: a series of mostly unfinished deleted scenes, screenwriter Mark Rosenthal's insightful commentary, cast filmographies, and the obligatory trailer. Of the deleted scenes, the extended, unfinished sequence of Superman taking Lois on a flight across the country, which includes Lois "flying" on her own, is a nostalgic wink back at the original film's exuberant romanticism.
In today's world, "Superman IV" wouldn't have qualified as a theatrical release, but rather as a forgettable Sci-Fi Channel original movie. Still, at least this movie aspired to be far more than its end result. Fans of Christopher Reeve's timeless portrayal of the Man of Steel should fondly remember "The Quest for Peace," more for what it could have been and for what Mr. Reeve deserved it to be.
My Grade: a strong 2/5. All factors considered, including Christopher Reeve's heartfelt sincerity, I am being realistic here. However, let me put this way: try sitting through 2006's "Highlander: The Source," and you will see why "Superman IV" is an Oscar contender by comparison.
Rating: -
'SUPERMAN IV THE QUEST FOR PEACE' is entertaining on a pure camp level. The film is bad, the FX run from good to laughable(flying wires clearly visible)and some truly stupid decisions. I don't know what they paid Hackman to be in this unnecessary retread, but I hope he had fun spending the money. Everything in this film has a "been there done that" feel to it. The film is the shortest one in the series by at least 30 minutes but, I found myself dozing off a few time only to awaken with Mariel Hemingway breathing in outer space! LOL! It's sort of fun to watch if you know what to expect. I have heard there is a longer version.......I hope not! ....and I hope Spider-Man 4 doesn't come out this bad! I rated it 1 3/4 stars for a good laugh.
Rating:  -
Ok, where do I begin.
The story is weak and stupid. The villian is laughably ridiculous.
You could feel the budget cut is was that bad.
The fight on the moon scene, black curtains where used. Wires sticking out to make hero and villian fly exposed.
Superman rebiulds the wall of China with his eyes, just simple camera work for budget costs.
My fav part, nuclear man takes Mariel Hemmingway's character into space.
Yup, past the thin air, the intensly hot atmosphere and she is ok.
I don't mind good "bad" movies, but this is just BAD bad.
Not even worth watching for free.
Avoid this clunker.
Rating: -
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace is directed by Sidney J. Furie. The film stars Christopher Reeve and co-stars Gene Hackman, Jackie Cooper, Margot Kidder, Marc McClure, Mariel Hemingway, and Jon Cryer. The musical score is composed by Alexander Courage, and uses themes composed by John Williams.
With the help of his nephew, Lex Luthor has once again escaped prison. This time around, he has stolen a strand of Superman's hair from a museum, and conceived a scheme to use it with a nuclear reaction in order to create a clone of sorts, that can do battle with the Man of Steel. Meanwhile, Superman has embarked on a quest for peace - ridding the world of its nuclear arms. It isn't long before he comes face to face with Luthor's new monstrosity. The twosome engage in a duel covering the four corners of the Earth - and beyond.
After Superman III, I was telling myself things could only get better for this franchise. Nothing else could be as bad as that horrid installment in the series.
Well, believe it. Superman IV is even worse!
The plot is cheesy. The villain over-the-top and stereotypical. The production terrible. The pacing no better. The progression and conclusion predictable. Even plot holes get thrown into the mix. Do I really even have to say anything more? With the end result here being so horrid, it's no surprise that another live-action theatrical Superman movie wasn't released for nearly two decades after.
As far as the cast and characters go, it's the same old story. Christopher Reeve makes a terrific Superman.... But even he can't save this heap. I was glad to see Lois Lane get some more screen time after being cast aside in the previous film.... But she can't save it either. Lex Luthor didn't need to be brought back, and his nephew is an over-the-top eighties stereotype who is one of several things that has prevented this film from aging well. Same old story here.
First, let's look at the plot. Superman tries to make peace on Earth by disposing of all of its nuclear weapons. Lex Luthor makes a nuclear-powered clone of Superman. And the twosome engage in a predictable duel. The whole "evil twin" thing had been done to death - even Superman III had a variant on this! Predictability of the plot doesn't help things, either. Lex Luthor mentions Nuclear Man's weakness to his nephew.... So we inevitably know that Superman is going to incorporate this into his victory strategy. Could this movie BE any more by-the-book and cliched!?
Even though this was the fourth and final film in the Christopher Reeve Superman quadrilogy, the production here was actually INFERIOR to the original 1978 Superman! This is most evident in the battle between Superman and his newfound nemesis. Wires can be seen suspending the characters in numerous scenes, and the black background on the moon is an obvious curtain you can even see the wrinkles in! You'd think with time the production would improve.
Plot holes don't hesitate to rear their ugly head here, either. Where's Clark's girlfriend from the previous movie? Why is the Fortress of Solitude in this movie if it's been destroyed? How can How can Superman talk in space, and helmeted, pressurized astronauts can hear him? I'm gonna stop now, but I could go on for hours with these plot holes.
Pacing is horrid the for Superman's fourth outing. The previous films all had plenty of action scenes along their two-hour-plus run times. This time around, the movie just drags on and on for its first hour. There is only one major action scene (an extended one, no less,) and it doesn't even begin until over an hour of the movie is over. That first hour is pretty much pointless, and we have to spend it with characters we don't even care about or bond with - apart from Lois Lane, and even the usefulness of her role has diminished from the first two movies. The filmmakers must have learned something from the overlong nature of Superman III and made the fourth installment only ninety minutes. And yet, I STILL felt like this film was too long!
In the end Superman IV is a truly terrible film. It's a shame that the Christopher Reeve Superman series, which started off with such promise and two great films, became a parody of itself practically overnight. There are no redeeming qualities here. Just a ninety-minute joke of a movie that will have you laughing for all the wrong reasons. Thumbs WAY down on this one.
Thumbs down
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